"All sin at bottom is a sin against God. 'Against thee, thee only have I sinned' is the cry of a true penitent. How terrible is the sin against God! Who can recall the wasted moments and years? Gone they are, never to return; gone the little allotted span of life; gone the little day in which a man must work. Who can measure the irrevocable guilt of a wasted life? Yet even for such guilt God has provided a fountain of cleansing in the precious blood of Christ. God has clothed us with Christ's Righteousness as with a garment; in Christ we stand spotless before the judgment throne" (Machan, Christianity and Liberalism, 130–31).
This quote by J. Gresham Machen gives a great summary of repentance and faith. Billy Marsh's sermon yesterday at Redeemer Church, he mentioned that there is really only one work to be done once we hear the word of the Lord proclaimed: repent and believe. As I reflect on the numerous ways I've sinned against the God of heaven, I am brought low. He has given me life and all I need to sustain it, a wonderful wife and family, encouraging relationships, and most importantly He has accomplished my salvation in Christ through faith and sealed me with His Spirit. Yet I live in my own strength and wisdom. I am reminded that the good news of the Gospel, however, is that God is gracious and merciful to those who come to Him by the blood of Jesus Christ their Lord. There is now no condemnation, Paul tells us, for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8).
I pray that this day is marked by an intense awareness of God's grace in Christ. May He stir in us an attitude of faith and repentance and may He grant that every day is lived in this manner.
Grace & Peace,
J
